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Saturday, September 25, 2010

The CYBILS are Coming!

Dear savvy readers:

Many of you have not only heard of the CYBILS, but have served as panelists or judges yourselves. But for those among us for whom the term conjures images of Sally Field in made-for-tv movies, let me set the record straight.

For over four spins around the sun, the CYBILS awards have been given yearly by bloggers to the year’s best children’s and young adult titles. I am thrilled to be serving as a round 2 judge for the middle grade fiction category with an impressive and dedicated group of writers, reviewers and librarians.

What does this mean? This means that it's almost time for you to nominate some books for us to read!

From October 1st through October 15th, we are seeking nominations for 9 categories:

Once you start making nominations, round 1 panelists start reading! They will read all the nominated books and finely whittle down that huge list into excellent shortlists. They'll then present that shortlist to second-round judges (including me). We will then take that shortlist and come up with a winner. This process happens with 9 different categories and panels of judges.

What Can You Do?

Spread the word! If you are a librarian or a teacher, get your students to nominate their favorite books for the CYBILS.

Beginning October 1st and ending October 15th- NOMINATE your favorite book published in the last year in the nine different categories. Titles must be published from Oct. 16, 2009 and Oct. 15, 2010. Books must be published in English or bilingual with English. Anyone can nominate a title, but only one nomination per genre per person, please.